by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,388 U.S. colleges awarded 49,977 degrees and certificates in Mathematics & Statistics. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 57% of graduates. College Factual ranks 534 schools in its 2027 Best Mathematics & Statistics Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $58,333 one year after completing, rising to $84,210 after four years.
Do you like math? Are you talented with numbers and formulas? Studying Mathematics & Statistics will teach you how to apply mathematical formulas and theory in order to analyze data and solve problems in the real world.
By choosing a major in the Mathematics & Statistics field, you will learn how to work with technology to solve complex mathematical issues. Formulas, theories, abstract concepts, and of course numbers will be part of your daily routine. You will work independently as well as with a team. This is a very rigorous field of study; you will dive much deeper into the world of mathematics and will learn how mathematics can be applied to everyday life.
The field of mathematics offers opportunities to specialize, so it can appeal to students with different strengths, offering many options for a future career. General Math is a good option for students who want a broad education leaving them many options upon graduating. Majoring in Applied Mathematics will show you how mathematical theory can be applied to various practical fields like architecture, computer programming or finance. Another option is to major in Statistics, where you will explore data and the theories that surround it. Explore additional majors to help you decide what direction you would like to take.
A degree in Mathematics & Statistics involves the study of Mathematics And Statistics. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Systematic Study Of Logical Symbolic Language And Its Applications.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, mathematics & statistics is a popular field of study, with 49,977 degrees awarded annually. 1,388 colleges award mathematics & statistics degrees, an average of 36 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 893.
By level, the 49,977 awards include 31 certificates, 5,384 associate degrees, 28,503 bachelor’s degrees, 13,896 master’s degrees and 2,137 doctorates.
Women earned 37% of mathematics & statistics degrees and certificates in the latest year (18,372 of 49,977). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (18,367) and Asian (7,374), and international students earned 13,662.
College Factual ranks 534 schools in its 2027 Best Mathematics & Statistics Schools ranking, including 115 for associate degrees, 386 for bachelor’s degrees, 190 for master’s degrees and 58 for doctorates. It also ranks mathematics & statistics schools within 47 states. In all, 1,388 colleges offer mathematics & statistics programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Mathematics & Statistics Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common mathematics & statistics credential is the bachelor’s degree: 28,503 of the 49,977 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to mathematics & statistics call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Mathematics and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension and Oral Expression.
This is an intense academic program that will require a love of math and an ability to grasp abstract concepts. Students should have good time management skills in order to juggle classes, lab work and meet deadlines. Students will use critical thinking and logic to analyze data and solve problems. Clear and concise writing with attention to detail and accuracy is necessary for success.
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your professors and advisors are there to guide you, and there is a lot you can learn from your peers. Be open to listening to other perspectives and unique approaches. Teamwork and being able to collaborate are essential skills for any career you go into.
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How long a mathematics & statistics degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 31 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 5,384 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 28,503 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 13,896 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2,137 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to mathematics & statistics, at 53.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 53.5% |
| Master’s degree | 22.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 6.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.6% |
| Some college courses | 2.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
28 occupations are related to Mathematics & Statistics, with an average median salary of $95,088; the strongest outlook belongs to Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Data Analyst, Clinical Data Coordinator, Research Scientist and Research Coordinator.
Many employers are in need of workers with strong mathematical skills. Graduates often find work in business, financial or government intuitions doing research, analysis, advising or marketing. Grads can also find work in insurance companies or tax agencies as auditors or actuaries. Other fields you could find work in are computer programming and software development. Some students are also interested in becoming a high school math teacher or a math professor. Some of these career options may require additional training.
Your superior analytical and critical thinking skills will also help you get into a graduate program. Those with a background in mathematics often obtain Master's degrees in math, statistics, business, law and medicine. This is often necessary for careers as a mathematician or statistician.
<The occupation related to mathematics & statistics with the most projected jobs is Financial Specialists, All Other, at 691,110.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Specialists, All Other | 691,110 | 6.5% |
| Financial Risk Specialists | 684,551 | -3.8% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Data Scientists | 507,848 | 8.1% |
| Management Analysts | 484,759 | 12.6% |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | 471,150 | -1.2% |
Mathematics & Statistics graduates earn a median $58,333 one year after completing their program, $84,210 after four years and $81,535 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,333 |
| 4 years | $84,210 |
| 5 years | $81,535 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to mathematics & statistics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Statisticians | $130,349 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $127,364 |
| Financial Quantitative Analysts | $126,371 |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | $121,896 |
| Biostatisticians | $121,594 |
Mathematics & Statistics includes 5 concentrations that together award 49,977 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Mathematics (26,979), Applied Mathematics (11,612) and Statistics (10,174). Browse the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 26,979 |
| Applied Mathematics | 11,612 |
| Statistics | 10,174 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other | 638 |
| Applied Statistics | 574 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
